State Of Mind

Opinion - Reader Views - Of Medals and Mettle

Why is it that some well-prepared and highly favored athletes went home from the Winter Olympics with no medal while a few virtual "unknowns" found themselves on the awards podium?

The answer lies in the attitude of each competitor. Competing without either the expectation or the need to win a medal is a powerful force. A few examples from the Utah games illustrate this point.

Jean Racine and her partner formed the better-known two-woman American bobsled team. Vonetta Flowers and Jill Bakken were the other team. Racine, dissatisfied with her time, scrapped her longtime friend who was the team's pusher and found another woman she thought would help her win gold. Apparently, Racine even asked Flowers to abandon Bakken and join her. Flowers refused. The rest is history. The other team clearly was thrilled just to be competing in Salt Lake. Racine was so intent on winning that she wasn't able to enjoy the ride -- literally or figuratively.

Derek Parra sacrificed time with family and pushed himself to excel at speed skating. He too was overjoyed to be an Olympian. His goal was to skate his best, without expectation. Not only did he finish first in one event, he finished second in another.

Being the third-generation Olympian in his family, Jim Shea's excitement at participating in the Utah games was palpable. Upon finishing the second and winning round in the skeleton, he pulled a photo of his grandfather out of his helmet and flashed it to the crowd. His was a family victory. Did he hope to win gold? Certainly! Did he expect to win? I don't think so.

Michelle Kwan looked grim when she stepped onto the ice for her long performance in figure skating. Her face said it all: "I have to win." In contrast, Sarah Hughes glided out with a big smile, reflecting her frame of mind. She already had performed beyond anyone's expectations and now was skating for pure pleasure. Had Michelle approached the Olympics as an event to be savored and a venue for doing her best, she may have earned that gold herself.

Do your best. Live without expectations. You might be happily surprised.